Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

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### **Instructions**:

#### **Step 1: Preheat the Oven**
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

#### **Step 2: Prepare the Dough**
1. **Mix Wet Ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. You can use an electric mixer or beat by hand with a wooden spoon. Add the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, and continue to mix until well combined.

2. **Combine Dry Ingredients**: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until the dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies less tender.

3. **Optional Addition**: If you like a little extra crunch in your cookies, fold in the chopped peanuts at this stage.

#### **Step 3: Shape the Cookies**
Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion out the dough into uniform balls, placing them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. For an added touch, gently press the dough balls with a fork in a criss-cross pattern to flatten them slightly. This gives them the signature look of classic peanut butter cookies.

#### **Step 4: Bake the Cookies**
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers appear set. The cookies will firm up as they cool, so be careful not to overbake them if you want to maintain that chewy texture.

#### **Step 5: Cool and Serve**
Once the cookies are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cookies retain their shape and prevents them from breaking apart.

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### **Serving Suggestions:**
These **Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies** are perfect on their own or paired with a few delicious options:

– **With a Glass of Milk**: The ultimate classic pairing! A cold glass of milk complements the rich peanut butter flavor and gives a delightful contrast to the chewy texture.
– **Ice Cream Sandwiches**: Sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two peanut butter cookies for an indulgent treat.
– **With Hot Cocoa**: For a cozy dessert on a chilly evening, serve these cookies with a warm cup of cocoa or hot coffee.
– **As a Snack**: These cookies are also perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or a quick snack to satisfy your sweet tooth.

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### **Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Cookies**

What makes these **Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies** stand out is their perfect balance of rich peanut butter flavor, sweetness, and the ideal chewy texture. With each bite, you get a satisfying combination of soft cookie and just the right amount of crunch (thanks to the peanuts, if you add them). They are incredibly easy to make and the result is sure to please cookie lovers of all ages.

So whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply looking to enjoy a warm, homemade treat, these peanut butter cookies are a fantastic choice. With minimal effort, you’ll have a batch of delicious cookies that everyone will adore.

Happy baking, and enjoy your peanut butter cookie delight!